Ninth Generation

358. NORA LEE HAYS was born on 26 January 1887 in Cove, Polk County, Arkansas.196,241,242,243 She died on 16 July 1973 at the age of 86 in Springdale, Washington County, Arkansas.192

I have never been able to determine the exact location of my grandmother's birth. There was a settlement in Crawford County known as Cove City. Sec 36 Twp 12, R32. In one place she stated she was born in Cove, Polk Co, AR, but I thought her parents were already living in Crawford Co when she was born. However, the little sister who died as a baby is buried in Cove, Polk Co in 1890 - perhaps the family did not move until later.In 1900, Nora's birth is given as Jan 1886. Is this a mistake or was she really a year older? She always stated she was six months older than Kenney, so I believe the census is in error. The other children's dob is correct. Her social security application wasn't made until 8 Jun 1972 - she was already age 85. She had been drawing her social security on my grandfather's account since his death. I wonder what made her apply for her own number at this late date? [What I did discover was that in 1972 there were sweeping changes to social security including increases in benefits. This had been under discussion for some three years and a minor amendment in late 1971 had changed some provisions of the payment at death.] She gave her date of birth as 26 Jan 1887 as she always had and stated she was born in Cove, Polk Co. The address on 700 S. Pleasant in Springdale and phone number as 756-3983 is what I remember. She stated her parents as Josephine Allen and John J. Hays - no surprise there.

VAN BUREN PRESSApril 27, 1907The Uniontown High School closed last Friday after a most successful term, with a splendid entertainment for its many patrons and friends. Professor A. D. Smith, the principal, had arranged a choice program, which was rendered to the satifaction of a full house. The exercises proved a great success in every way, netting the school $462.65. Those who graduated from the the common course school and received diplomas were: Misses Rebecca Wright, Oma Morrow and NORA HAYS, and Mr. G. W. Frances. The post graduates were Misses MINNIE HAYS and Tessie Lemon and Mr. G. M. Comstock.

JoAnn has the school bell that Nora used when she taught school at Union Town. Nora taught on an 8th grade Certificate; she was 16.

Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR; Saturday, 27 Jul 1940Comstocks Have House PartyMr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock, 504 N. Willow, are entertaining a house party this week-end.Guests include a sister of Mrs. Comstock, Mrs. David King of Tahlequah, Okla.; two nieces, Miss Iva King and Mrs. Harry Peeler and Harry Peeler, New York City; Mr. & Mrs. Ira V. Comstock of Van Buren; John J. Hays of Van Buren, Mrs. Comstock's father [who will be 84 years old, August 5]; Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Hays of Muskogee, Okla.

My grandmother sang as she worked, usually hymns. I found the following note dated 4 Jan 1942 - it was accompanied by a poem, "I Heard a Woman Singing" by Grace Noll Crowell.Dear Mrs. Comstock, This poem turns up in my loose recipes frequently and unless I give it to you will never know that Grace Noll Crowell said this for me about you. I have had the clipping for two years or more and failing to tell you how much I enjoyed my "singing Neighbor" is another of my sins of omission. Today I am obeying that urge of letting you know that when grass was green, flowers blooming, birds nesting, through the open windows, my neighbor's song as she worked brought joy to me. And, too, the singing children and the piano music of your home was a real inspiration to me. Lovingly, Nina (Wms Hill)

Nora's will was admitted to probate on 22 Jan 1974. She died 16 Jul 1972 and at that time owned her home in Washington Co AR. She was "over the age of 21 years and of sound mind." Graydon Earl Comstock, Kenney M. Comstock & JoEllen McKim were named as co-executors. She was survived by these three children, and two other sons, John J. Comstock and Ira Allen Comstock.

NORA LEE COMSTOCKMrs. Nora Lee Comstock, 86, resident of 700 S. Pleasant Street, died July 16 in Springdale Memorial Hospital. She was born January 26, 1887 in Polk County, Ark., the daughter of John and Josephine Hays, and was a member of the First Christian Church and a housewife. Her husband, Kenney M. Comstock, Sr., preceeded her in death, May 3, 1958.Survivors include four sons, Graydon Comstock Sr., of Siloam Springs, Kenney Comstock of Springdale, John J. Comstock of San Francisco, Calif. and Ira A. Comstock of Virginia Beach, VA.; one daughter, Mrs. Joe (JoEllen) McKim of Springdale; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Comstock of Van Buren; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock in the First Christian Church. A second service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Wood Memorial Christian Church in Van Buren. Burial will be in the Grace Lawn Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Sisco Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church.Probably from The Springdale News.A very similar obituary also appeared in Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR, 17 Jul 1973, p.2

NORA LEE HAYS and KENNEY MARCUS COMSTOCK were married on 12 January 1908 in Crawford County, Arkansas.KENNEY MARCUS COMSTOCK59,194,244,245,246, son of JAMES MONROE "MON" COMSTOCK and LUCRETIA ELLEN WOOD, was born on 13 July 1887 in Uniontown, Crawford County, Arkansas.241 He died on 3 May 1958 at the age of 70 in Springdale, Washington County, Arkansas.113,241

I found an old newspaper clipping - probably from the Press Argus in Van Buren. It was in poor shape and torn but this is the best transcription I can come up with:FROM UNIONTOWN,Three cheers for Uniontown! Uniontown is on a boom. Our streets are in apple-pie order -- over $100 spent and not done yet.Prof. Hicks is teaching a fine school here. Over 100 pupils are in attendance. At the beginning of the holidays the school gave a fine exhibition.After divine services on Dec. 23rd. Prof. Hicks and Miss Mary Spier, one of Uniontown's most charming young ladies, were joined together in the holy bonds of matrimony. This notice helped me find their wedding date and dated this article - it was 23 Dec 1896 as found in Mary Jane Comstock's book COMSTOCK-HAGGARD AND ALLIED FAMILIES.We want to say something about our Christmas tree - the biggest thing out - and well loaded with presents. The exhibition was opened by singing by the little Sunday School children. The opening prayer was offered by Master Kenny Comstock - Hon. Mon. Comstock's little nine-year-old boy - which speaks well for Sunday School and home training. Bro. A. Comstock [I know of no A. Comstock - this initial wrong; it may have been R. for Randolph Comstock] is Superintendent of the Sunday School. Pupils enrolled, 82; average attendance, 60. This shows some one else is at work in the right direction. We can but say "amen" to such work.As to our business men they are too well known to need any commendations at our hands. Comstock Bros., headquarters for goods; Walter Henry a wide-awake, jolly good fellow on the corner, always ready to accommodate his customers; then J. C. Wood [Kenney's maternal grandfather] a jolly old fellow, with his stock of drugs, ever ready to supply his customers; and if you need anything in his line and step in and don't happen to see Joe, you'll see a large wooden pipe; just take a look down the stem and you'll find Uncle Joe sticking on the other end of the stem, puffing away for dear life. After all, Joe is all O.K. As to doctors, we have two - Blakemore and Wood [Dr. Tom Wood, son of J. C. Wood] - both enterprising sober, nice young men, and very attentive to their profession. In conclusion we will say to all Uniontown people: God bless you all in all honest and upbuilding enterprises.We wish the grand old ARGUS a Happy New Year.A COUNTRY BOY.

Aug 17, 1907, VAN BUREN PRESSAn outing party, consisting of 32 in number, went to Copper Springs in the Indian Territory. The party consisted of Mr. John J. Hays & family, Mr. F. L. Pease & family, Mr. J. C. Wood, wife and daughter, Mr. John S. Rainwater and wife [Nora Comstock, my grandpa's sister, was his wife], Messrs. Gratis M. Comstock & Guy Wood. The party reports a good time, but not very much game. Miss Lella M. Wood [I think this should have been Zella Wood], Nora & Minnie Hays and Virgie Bragg are given high credit for making good rifle shots, and the boys say the girls did not leave any white spots on the trees near the spring for any other parties to shoot at. Kennie Comstock was given credit for being the best huntsman, as he killed more game than any one else in the party.

Minister, Samuel A. Cox, married Kenney and Nora. They were married at the Bride's Home in Cove in Uniontown. The license was issued 8 Jan 1908. They both said they were age 20.

Kenney registered for the World War I draft on 22 Jun 1917. He gave his present employement as Merchant and himself as the owner. He stated he had a wife and three children and claimed exemption because of support of family with children under twelve years. He stated he had been a Private in the Military at the University of Arkansas. His description was short, stout, dark blue eyes and dark brown hair. He signed his name as "Kinney Marcus Comstock".

Obituaries, Death Notices & News Items Extracted from the Van Buren Press Argus 1925 Vol 10, Fran Alverson Warren, p.81 May 1925Freddie Kidd auto victim last Thursday.While Van Buren has had her full quota of automobile fatalities, that of Thursday evening of last week when Freddie Kidd, the 7-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Kidd, South 13th Street, was the most distressing of all, for he was a general favorite with all who knew him.The accident occurred shortly after 4 o'clock on East Main St as the little victim and his companions and classmates were returning home from school. Mr. Edgar Covey was returning to town after attending the funeral services for O. R. Lobdill on East Main. W. J. Martin, O. D. Thomas, and K. M. Comstock were riding in the car with Covey, Mr. Martin occupying the seat with the driver. The story of a number of eyewitnesses to the tragedy was to the effect that the child started to run diagonally across the street in front of the Covey car, his vision probably impaired by the wide-brimmed straw hat he was wearing. Someone shouted at him and seeing his danger became confused and instead of continuing across turned and started to run back and was struck by the car with sufficient force to throw him against the curb and crush his skull, the car continuing until it mounted the curb and collided with a tree growing in the parking in front of the L. C. Tate residence.The occupants of the car were the first to reach the child and he was lying full length under the rear of the car, none of the wheels having touched his body. An ambulance was called from Fort Smith and the child was hurried to the St. John Hospital where he died immediately after being taken out of the ambulance. The news that he died spread quickly...As the news of the tragedy spread, all recalled the fact that three years ago, Harry Kidd, the older brother had been run down by an automobile on Main Street and died a few days later in a Fort Smith hospital. ...the first Van Buren automobile accident was Harry Kidd, young son of Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Kidd and uncle of Harry & Freddie Kidd.

1930 Census. The family had moved to Fayetteville in Washington Co. They were renting a house at 18 East Dickson. Kenney & Nora were both age 42, married since they were 20. Kenney was selling dry goods. Kenney M. was 15, JoEllen 13, John J 10, and Ira 5.

1940 Census. Fayetteville, Washington, AR, ED 72-26A, Sheet 8B, Hh 196Kenney M. Comstock, renting at 504 N. Willow [this would have been the two-story house on the corner]. Age 52, has had two years of college. He was a traveling Salesman for a wholesale dry goods [Berry Dry Goods in Ft. Smith] and had made $2400 the previous year.Nora L., wife, gave the information - she was 53. She had 1 year of high school [I know that she stayed in school just long enough to get a certificate to teach primary grades.]Kenney M. Jr. was 25, still at home; he had 3 years of college.John J., son, age 20, 1 year of college; Learning window trimmingIra A., son, age 15, still in high school.Richard Clark, lodger, age 28, Assistant manager, Retail Ice Plant.

The Fourth Registration of the Draft for World War II conducted 27 Apr 1942, was sometimes referred to as the "old men's registration" as it was for men born between 28 Apr 1877 and 16 Feb 1897, men between 45 and 64 years old. Kenney did register and at that time was living at 433 North Willow in Fayetteville, AR. His employer was Berry Dry Goods in Ft. Smith. He gave the expected date and place of birth. Nora Comstock was listed as the "Person Who Will Always Know Your Address". His description was: Height: 5'5", Weight 176 lbs., Blue eyes, Lt. Brown hair, Light complexion. His signature is on the card.

Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR24 Dec 1946, p.3Comstock Family Re-United for ChristmasFor the first time in eight years, the K. M. Comstocks, prominent Fayetteville family, will be reunited on Christmas Day.Captain Kenney M. Comstock, back from four years with the Army in the European theatre, has arrived to spend 45 days leave with his parents, Mr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock, 428 N. College, and his wife's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Denney, 516 Highland.Another son, Jay Comstock, of New York, arrived today to spend the holiday with his parents.Others who will be present for the Christmas reunion include Mr. & Mrs. Graydon Comstock and son Donnie, and Mr. & Mrs. Joe McKim and daughter Karen Kay, and Ira A. Comstock, all of Fayetteville, and Mr. & Mrs. Ira Comstock and John J. Hays of Van Buren.

In 1951, Nora and Kenney were living in a farm home near Elkins, AR. He had a severe stroke. Nora had never driven a car but she learned driving up and down the driveway at the farm. They sold the farm and moved back to Van Buren two doors from Ira & Minnie Comstock. In 1958, Nora and Kenney decided to move to Springdale to live near JoEllen and son K. M. and their families.

Probably from The Springdale NewsParents of Local Residents Observe Golden AnniverseraryMr. & Mrs. K. M. Comstock, 721 Drennen St, Van Buren, observed their golden wedding anniversary Sunday and were the honorees of an open house held from 2 until 5 p.m. at the home of Mr. Comstock's brother and sister-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Ira V. Comstock, 711 Drennen St.Assisting at the reception were members of the family including the sons and daughters of the couple and their families: Mr. & Mrs. Graydon Comstock of Tulsa, Okla., Mr. & Mrs. Kenney Comstock Jr, Springdale, Ark.; Mr. & Mrs. Ira Allen of Kansas City, Mo., and Mr. & Mrs. Joe McKim of Springdale. Mrs. McKim is the former Miss Jo Ellen Comstock. The couple also have a son, John J. Comstock in Los Angeles, Calif.Other relatives who assisted were a cousin, Mrs. C. A. Riddle of Longview, TX, and Mr. Comstock's brothers and sisters and their families, including Mrs. J. S. Rainwater, Mrs. Maude Redman, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Comstock of Van Buren; Dr. & Mrs. A. C. Clark, Little Rock, and Mr. & Mrs. Cy Carney of Fayetteville, AR.Mr. & Mrs. Comstock were married in Uniontown, AR on 12 Jan 1908. Mrs. Comstock is the former Miss Nora Hays, a poineer of Crawford County.

KENNEY MARCUS COMSTOCKSpringdale (Special) -- Kenney Marcus Comstock, 70, resident of 700 South Pleasant Street, died unexpectedly Saturday night [3 May 1958] at his home. Born July 13, 1887 at Uniontown, he was a member of the First Christian Church and a retired salesman for Berry Dry Goods Company of Fort Smith where he worked for 26 years. Mr. Comstock was a former resident of Van Buren and Fayetteville and moved to Springdale this year. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock observed their 50th wedding anniversary in January.Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Nora Lee Hays Comstock, of the home; four sons, Graydon Comstock, Tulsa, Okla., Kenney M. Comstock, Springdale, Jay Comstock, San Francisco, Calif., and Ira A. Comstock, Merriam, Kan.; one daughter, Mrs. Joe McKim, Springdale; his mother, Mrs. Ellen Comstock, Van Buren; four sisters, Mrs. Nora Rainwater and Mrs. Maude Redman, Van Buren, Mrs. Lettie Carney, Fayetteville, and Mrs. Pauline Clark, Little Rock; and nine grandchildren.The body will be sent to Van Buren today by Callison-Cisco Funeral Home, and funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Wood Memorial Christian Church by the Rev. Robert E. Brown of Van Buren and the Rev. William Cloud of Springdale. Burial under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home, will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery.

Another Obituary that appeared in the PRESS ARGUS of Van Buren, included additional information. His mother was at the time aged 91. The sanctuary of Wood Memorial Christian Church was filled with relatives and friends at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon when the funeral service took place. Active pallbearers were H. C. Farmer, George Crofton, Perry Newman, L. L. Rapier, Wilbur Watkins, and C. E. Riddle. Members of the Men's Bible Class of Wood Memorial Christian Church were honorary pallbearers.

John James "Jay" COMSTOCK was born on 17 July 1919 in Uniontown, Crawford County, Arkansas.241,247 He served in the military in 1944 in World War II (Coast Guard). He died on 29 June 2006 at the age of 86 in San Francisco, California.

<www.archives.gov> US National Archives & Records AdministrationFile Unit Title: Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946Record Group 64John J. Comstock. Enlisted 30 of January 1942 as a Private. His state of resident, place of enlistment were an undefined code. He was born 1919. He had 4 years of high school. His Civilian occupation was Telephone Operator and he was single, without dependents.Height: 65", Weight: 150 lbs.

Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville, AR22 Feb 1943Lt. John J. Comstock has completed his officers candidate training in the Eastern Signal Corps school at Fort Monmouth, NJ, and his received his commission. He is the son of Mrs. K. M. Comstock, 433 N. Willow.

Letter from Jay dated 22 Nov 1998:"Enlisted right after Pearl Harbor Jan 28 1942. Discharged Nov 26 1943. I was in the army signal corps (attached to the air corps part of the time). I went to Officers Candidate School and washed out the day before I was to graduate. I never got overseas and spent most of my time in California. I was discharged because of a blood pressure problem, and was in and out of the service before some of my friends were ever drafted. Pretty impressive wasn't it !!! However, it was a great learning experience for me. Enough said!"

Jay had a companion - John Eldon Scott. They were together almost forty years in San Francisco. I have never known two kinder gentlemen.Scotty, as we called him, was born 28 Nov 1917, Millville, Cache Co, Utah, and died 2 Mar 1989 in San Francisco. From his FindAGrave Memorial:John Eldon Scott was the son of John William Edward and Hilma Olson Scott. He was born in Millville where his childhood and early school years were spent. After graduating from South Cache High School, he attended Utah State Agricultural College and graduated from LDS Business College in Salt Lake City. During his youth, he was involved in LDS Church and community activities. He served his country for three years during World War II. For fifty years he was a resident of San Francisco, California, where he worked as a Certified Public Accountant. Bio by Lee A. Hillard Scotty was also cremated, but there is a military marker placed in the Millville City Cemetery.John Eldon Scott M.Sgt, US ArmyWorld War IINov 28, 1917 Mar 2, 1989LDS

Jay died of esophageal cancer. He was cremated; his ashes scattered in Golden Gate Park along with those of John Scott, on John Scott's marker in Utah, and also in Arkansas where his parents are buried.

Jay was a very special person to me. A father/older brother figure during the years my mother was divorced and we lived with her parents. Part of that time, he also lived in that blended household. He was always interesting and interested in me.

Jay wrote songs and poetry. He composed a song that was sung at his Memorial Service - it was more of a party for his friends and fellow church members.

I found the following in some of his papers - it is so like him.A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBERThe year was 1931. It was a cold Thanksgiving Day. An ice storm had swept into the Ozarks on Wednesday and left a wonderland of ice covered bushes and trees that sparkled and glistened in the morning sun. The frosted windows made everything into a fairy land.The smell of sage dressing and cinnamon sprinkled on the pumpkin pie permiated every corner of the little two bedroom house.It was a small house - but was home to a family of seven (with four boys and one girl ranging in ages four to nineteen) and on this holiday the anticipation of the big dinner was almost too much for the younger children to bear. Somehow, we felt that things were about to change.Our mother had awakened early and was busy with last minute preparations. The chicken which was killed and plucked the day before was ready to fry. The home canned corn & green beans were brought up from the storm cellar. A pumpkin had been picked from the garden and made into two pies, and sausage gravy was boiling in the big iron skillet.Finally the magic words. DINNER IS READYDad, who sat at the head of the table, had been forced to close his general store the wekk before and he was bankrupt. The Great Depression had a death grip on the whole nation. Like thousands of other men - Dad had no job - no money!! He felt that he had failed.His eyes watched the faces of his wife & children!! And, while the younger children did not understand the gravity of the situation, the older ones knew that survival was at stake. Times would be hard.As Dad started the prayer, Mother quietly reached for the hands of the ones next to her and they, in turn, reached for the hand next to them. A circle was formed - a seven-sided circle."Dear Father in heaven," Dad said in a soft, firm voice, "we offer thanks today for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us -- good health, the love of each other, and the promice of a better tomorrow. Amen"Then almost as an afterthought, "God will provide."Finally, Mother said, "Someone start the mashed potatoes," and quickly food was being passed around and laughter and love filled the room. Never were we closer or needed each other more. It was indeed a Happy Thanksgiving.And there was a better tomorrow:Dad found work - the children all grew into healthy adults and blessed Mother & Dad with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.Life was good and God did provide -- with help from our church, and friends & relatives.About the time of that memorable Thanksgiving I ran across a poem that was sustained me in troubling times. For what it is worth - here it is.I've said it over and overTo a mocking little tuneYou can not saddle the windOr ride the rim of the moon.You cannot capture a sunbeamOr lasso a plumging star.I have said it, but unbelievinglySince Dreams are what they are.Happy Dreams & Happy Thanksgiving to All!